The pathway to STEAM is exciting, but can also be dangerous without an understanding of what STEAM truly means in both its intention and its implementation. Like its STEM predecessor, STEAM can stop short of its best manifestation without several core components:

STEAM is an integrated approach to learning which requires an intentional connection between standards, assessments and lesson design/implementation

True STEAM experiences involve two or more standards from Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and the Arts to be taught and assessed in and through each other

Inquiry, collaboration, and an emphasis on process-based learning are at the heart of the STEAM approach

Utilizing and leveraging the integrity of the arts themselves is essential to an authentic STEAM initiative